Sipahiler Mağarası

Useful Information

Location:	Between Kayadibi and Sipahiler. Küre Mountains National Park. (41.630371, 32.491833)
Open:	gated. [2020]
Fee:	gated. [2020]
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	bring torch.
Dimension:	L=338 m, VR=32 m.
Guided tours:
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:	Mehmet Taylan, Nadim Yılmazer, Deniz Şirin (2020): A Comparative Study on Temperature and Relative Humidity Data of Three Caves in Different Climatic Regions of Turkey, with Notes on the Distribution of Anatolian Cave Crickets (Insecta, Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae) Journal of the Entomological Research Society. 22. 53-73. researchgate
Address:	Sipahiler Mağarası, Küre Dağları Milli Parkı, Kırtepe Mah. Asma Cad. 615.Sok. No:3 Merkez/Bartin, Tel: +90-378-227-1844, Fax: +90-378-227-1845. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

2019	cave gated for protection.

Description

Sipahiler Mağarası (Sipahiler Cave) is located between the villages Kayadibi and Sipahiler and was named after the later. The karst water which emerges from karst springs in the Küre Mountains is used for a trout breeding farm behind the town Sipahiler. From here a trail leads upstream to the cave. However, Sipahiler Cave is not the resurgence of the river, its located higher up the hill at the left side of the valley. It is not very big and has only one main passage, but it shows an abundance of speleothems. The way through the cave is continually going downwards with some easy climbs. There is no second entrance, so visitors have to return the same way. The visit does not require special skills, but sturdy shoes, helmet and headlamp are recommended.

The cave has been open without restrictions until lately. In the last years caves were declared Natural Monuments and protected with gates, also new show caves were created. This cave is probably more interesting than nearby Gürcüoluk Mağarası, which is currently developed as a show caves. There are rumours this cave might be developed as a show cave too. A report on the touristic use of the cave has been made lately. We listed this cave for two reasons, its possible conversion into a show cave and its current status as a closed cave. If you intend to visit the cave be aware that you must first organize the key. At the moment we have no information where it may be obtained, but the cave is part of the Nature Park and so we guess its best to contact the park authority.